Delft – Blue and White Plaque with floral decor, mid 18th century

18th century Dutch Delft blue and white lobed plaque with self-moulded floral frame, decorated with flowers, butterfly and dragonfly, circa 1720–1740.

Of lobed form with a self-moulded frame, the plaque is painted in underglaze blue with a floral design arranged around a central mound. From this rise flowering plants with large blossoms, likely chrysanthemum and peony, combined with smaller flowers and buds. The stems curve outward in a balanced manner, with elongated leaves filling the field.

The moulded rim is decorated with flowers and includes a butterfly and a dragonfly, simply rendered and placed along the edge. The decoration follows the contour of the plaque, creating a continuous design across both the field and the moulded border. The cobalt is applied in varying tones, from soft washes to stronger accents, giving the decoration depth and liveliness.

Plaques of this type were conceived as “porcelain paintings”, intended to be displayed and appreciated in the same way as panel or canvas paintings. Early examples were essentially large tiles set into wooden frames, while in the 18th century Delft potters developed self-framed plaques such as the present piece, often pierced for suspension and designed as complete decorative objects.

26 x 23 cm